Controlling Maternal Anemia and Malaria: Ensuring Pregnant Women Receive Effective Interventions to Prevent Malaria and Anemia - What Program Managers and Policymakers Should Know

The Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) developed a USAID guidance brief on malaria and anemia control during pregnancy. This brief discusses evidence around the WHO-recommended 0.4mg dose of folic acid in IFA as opposed to the previously recommended 5mg. This lower dosage has shown to be effective without interfering with the effectiveness of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) as an antimalarial. The brief also reminds us that “an integrated package of interventions is needed to prevent malaria, iron deficiency, and anemia in pregnancy.” This guidance is intended to help program managers and policymakers as they develop health programs and policies.